The new Hollenbeck Community Police Station[2], LA’s largest police facility, provides the city with a memorable landmark that celebrates green building. The building’s high design principals have a practical application, showing an open face to the community while providing a level of sustainable building practices that earned the project a LEED Gold certification in addition to multiple awards[3]. Architects AC Martin[4] achieved all of this while providing a secure work place for LA’s finest.

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The striking exterior entrance addresses multiple needs at once. The station needed to provide a community presence, so the architects designed an illuminated and welcoming façade that represents the station as a positive and approachable organization. The translucent panels allow plenty of daylight[6] into the building without the accompanying heat buildup — thus saving a tremendous amount of energy. The façade[7] is also bullet proof, a necessary requirement in many of today’s public buildings[8], especially law enforcement facilities.

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The entire 173,000 square-foot project, which also includes a parking garage and shop, achieved LEED Gold by using efficient equipment and light throughout the building topping it all off with a white roof. Particular attention to indoor air quality and water reduction was also observed. A substantial 80% reduction in waste materials was achieved during construction.